Darragh MacAnthony has taken to his personal Twitter account to address a fan, with the Peterborough United chairman laughing off speculation linking Aston Villa and Sunderland with a move for Jack Marriott.

Reports in the national media this week have linked Marriott with a move to the Championship, with Aston Villa, Sunderland and QPR all reportedly interested in signing the striker, who has 17 goals to his name already this season.

Marriott joined Peterborough from Luton Town over the summer, and the report has suggested that the Sky Bet League One outfit would be willing to listen to offers around the £2.5m mark.

A fan asked MacAnthony about any potential deal, with the Peterborough chairman playing down any imminent move, particularly at the reported fee.

13 of Marriott’s goals have come in League One, with the 23-year-old spearheading Peterborough’s play-off push, which right now is faltering.

Peterborough sit 10th in the table heading into this weekend’s fixtures, six points adrift of sixth, having failed to pick up a victory in their last three league fixtures.

Posh face a testing trip to the Highbury Stadium this weekend to face Fleetwood Town.

The Verdict  

Peterborough fans will be encouraged by MacAnthony’s tweet, with Marriott absolutely key to the club’s success.

However, the club have been here before with the likes of Britt Assombalonga and will be wary that Marriott could leave if the right money is offered.

£2.5m seems low for a striker with Marriott’s record, and it could take a lot more to lure him away from Peterborough this January. 

Where will Marriott be playing his football in 2018? Let us know your thoughts!